The duty of architects to the developing world

It’s reported that one in every two children in the world live in poverty– a statistic that doesn’t sit right with Melbourne architect Dean Landy. When visiting Kenya in 2007, Landy was confronted with the nation’s poverty, inspiring him to found what is now the One Heart Foundation. Run from Poverty will take place in Kenya from Sunday July 17 to Thursday July 28 2016. Registrations close soon. To sign up, visit the official website. 

Image © ClarkeHopkinsClarke

I think architects and urban designers play a pivotal role both here and around the world in addressing social problems and providing a creative link between our industry and the real needs on the ground. We have a responsibility to ensure the places we are designing can truly build stronger communities by integrating health and wellness considerations into an entire masterplan, not just considering the built form.

– Dean Landy

Image © ClarkeHopkinsClarke

Through the financial support of many generous sponsors, one being architecture practice ClarkeHopkinsClarke where Landy is a partner, the not-for-profit organisation has since grown to care for approximately 75 orphaned and abandoned children in the self-sufficient One Heart Children’s Village in Turbo, Kenya.

As a partner of ClarkeHopkinsClarke, we as a group have been able to evolve and focus our corporate social responsibility policy around a strong relationship with One Heart to see the maximum impact rather than supporting a wide range of different charities with smaller amounts. One Heart also aligns with our strong practice focus on ‘creating vibrant communities,’ which applies both here and abroad.

– Dean Landy

Image © ClarkeHopkinsClarke

Landy and the team at ClarkeHopkinsClarke are the designers of the masterplan and buildings that form the initial stages of the child focused eco-village Encompassed in the masterplan design are four homes (each housing 26 children) a primary school and a surrounding 21-acre farm that features maize, dairy, fish and poultry projects to generate food and income to the homes.

Construction is underway for four additional classrooms, increased land for agriculture, and to upgrade the existing facility before the new school year commences.

Once established, the foundation will look to start replicating this model in other parts of the world to increase the impact we can make in the lives of disadvantaged, orphaned and abused children. Our long term goal is to see generations of children be given the opportunity of hope, and see them turn from a life of despair to become the inspirational leaders of tomorrow… It is possible, and we are seeing it happen already.

– Dean Landy

Image © ClarkeHopkinsClarke

The charity also supports the education of numerous children from the local villages of western Kenya in the newly established One Heart School. These education initiatives are believed to be the key to breaking the poverty cycle.

Landy is a man of many talents. The father is also the author of the soon to be released book titled Creating Vibrant Communities and the sole orchestrator of One Heart’s annual fundraising event, the Run From Poverty Experience.

The Run From Poverty Experience brings together a rare opportunity for participants to train with elite athletes, experience the conditions of rural Kenya, be exposed to the realities of poverty in the villages of Africa and take part in the concluding long distance running event. Participants can choose a distance to suit their ability for the run that can extend from five kilometres up to a full 42-kilometre marathon.

Image © ClarkeHopkinsClarke

The event also helps to further relationships with local organisations, allowing One Heart to better connect with the community and build the credibility of their work.

It’s not just about running but the overall experience of discovering the culture, projects and needs of the community, while at the same time challenging your mind, body and soul…it’s a truly life changing experience. Combining my expertise as an urban planner and architect with the community infrastructure projects we run at One Heart means I can enjoy making a positive difference in the world in the profession I love to work in.

– Dean Landy

Image © ClarkeHopkinsClarke

The inaugural event in July 2015 saw over $100,000 raised to support the charity’s ongoing work.

Now I want to share this experience with other professionals and the personal satisfaction it brings to help children in need expecting nothing back in return.

– Dean Landy